Breaking Out is Hard to Do

Pop Culture References

The Fugitive is referenced in the sewer escape scene with Lois and the family.

Chunk from the Goonies is found in the sewer, as is Corey Haim.

Tie Fighters from Star Wars make an appearance in the sewer scene.

The NeverEnding Story’s Falkor crashes and burns with Peter across his back.

Lois steals a Matisse painting at the height of her problem.

Winona Ryder is mentioned in the episode. Ryder is an actress who came to the forefront of media scrutiny when she stole from a high-end retail chain.

Peter thinks every Asian man is Jackie Chan. Chan appears and thinks all Caucasian men are Ethan Hawke.

Near the opening, Chris is sucked into the music video for a-ha’s Take On Me in the grocery store.

Michael Hutchence, the lead singer for INXS, is mentioned by Stewie. He hung himself in 1997.

Greg Louganis is mentioned in an elaborate joke, with Peter in a cut-away explaining the many directions the joke can take. Louganis was diagnosed the AIDS in the ‘80s and notoriously hit his head on a diving board.

Adam West is playing with a Lite Brite in one scene.M*A*S*H is mentioned by an Asian pilot, who claims he imagines he’s shooting at Jamie Farr and Alan Alda.

Karl Malden is jabbed due to his large nose in a scene where he and Peter share cocaine.